Margao

Margao ( Moddganv, is the second largest city (population approximately 80,000) and commercial capital of the Indian state of Goa. It is the administrative headquarters of South Goa district and of the Salcete taluka.

Etymoglogy

Margão is the Portuguese spelling, with Margao being common in English. It is derived from Mathagrām which means a place with a matha.Pronounced as "Mut" as sound in word "Hut". Mut is a religious place where religious society called "Mathgram" looks after it.

Geography

Margao is located at . It has an average elevation of 31 metres (102 feet).

Nestled on the banks of the River Sal, Margão is amongst the oldest recorded towns in Goa. Margão is famous for the huge Portuguese style mansions which dot its landscape. It is also one of the fastest growing cities in Goa and includes several suburbs including Aquem, Fatorda, Gogol, Borda, Comba and Davorlim.

History

Margao in pre-Portuguese times was one of the important settlements in Salcete and known as Matha Grama (the village of Mathas) as it was a temple town with nine Mathas in temple schools. Most of the inhabitants were Brahmins (GSB and Daivajnas). It was then famous for its many beautifully built temples. Long before the Portuguese came here, it had a university with a library. During the Portuguese conquest in 1543, Hindu temples were demolished and Catholic churches were built in their place. Almost all...
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